Wounds accumulate beyond the battlefield

Nearly eight in 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who returned from battle in worse physical or mental health say they were NOT seriously injured in combat. A third of all veterans have a government-recognized disability connected to their service.

No opinion not shown.POLLWashington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation pollWere you ever seriously injured in combat while in the wars or not?Q: YesNoAmong those reporting worse health since wars22%78%Would you say your physical health now is better, worse or about the same since before the wars?Q: WorseBetterSameCombat armsCombat support56%11%37%12%34%50%Has the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense determined that you have a service-connected disability?Q: YesNoApplied but not determined (Volunteered)Iraq and Afghanistanveterans34%61%4%How well would you say your physical health needs are being met today? Q: Very wellSomewhat wellNot to wellNot at allwellIraq and Afghanistanveterans41%44%8%7%Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who . . .Report worse physical or mental healthWere injured in combat13%52%

SOURCE: The Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation poll. Published April 9, 2014.